Born the son of a handloom weaver in Scotland, Andrew Carnegie was a man ahead of his time whose journey from humble beginnings to the richest man in the world has inspired generations of entrepreneurs and philanthropists to follow in his footsteps. After emigrating with his family to America whilst still a boy, he rose from bobbin boy in a factory in Pittsburgh to telegraphy messenger, railroad employee, bridge builder, bond trader, to iron and steel manufacturer until upon his retirement he dedicated himself to giving away his wealth to the trusts, foundations, and institutions which still continue today to work to his guiding principle to 'help those who help themselves.'

In his won words this engaging book paints a vivid picture of his boyhood in Dunfermline, his teenage years in Pittsburgh and ultimately his establishment of a new kind of worldwide philanthropy.